Locked On NFL – Daily Podcast On The National Football League

Falcons MAKE MOVES On Offensive Line After Surprise Retirement | The Big 3 in 30 NFL

Apr 9, 2026
Guest
Patricia Trena
Guest
John Hickman
Patricia Trena, a Giants analyst versed in roster moves and contracts, and John Hickman, a Texans analyst who breaks down roster and contract strategy. They discuss Atlanta signing Jawaan Taylor after Kaleb McGary's surprise retirement. They examine Houston picking up C.J. Stroud’s fifth-year option and the contract paths for Stroud and Will Anderson Jr. They also cover Dexter Lawrence’s trade situation.
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INSIGHT

Falcons Expected McGary Exit And Moved Fast

  • The Falcons treated Kaleb McGary's retirement as a timeline acceleration rather than a catastrophe.
  • Aaron Freeman notes Atlanta likely expected this and moved quickly, signing Jawaan Taylor within about an hour to avoid a draft-time scramble.
INSIGHT

Taylor Is Strong In Pass Pro But Prone To Penalties

  • Jawaan Taylor brings proven pass-blocking but carries a much higher penalty rate and weaker run-block grades.
  • Freeman cites penalty frequency (Taylor penalized once every 58 snaps in KC) and PFF run-block metrics to contrast him with McGary.
INSIGHT

Falcons Will Lose Run Game Edge Without McGary

  • Replacing McGary likely reduces Falcons' run-blocking ceiling because he was elite as a run blocker.
  • Freeman contrasts McGary's career penalty rate (once every ~296 snaps) and high run grades with Taylor's weaker run-block marks.
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